The model is cast in amber resin and the casting is very good, not overly thick, and no obvious bubbles. There is almost no clean-up required, with the pour plugs and flash non-existent. There are nine resin parts; four black, soft-rubber tires; and seven cast white metal parts. DOC supplies a decal sheet with number plates for two pre-1943 Italian, one RSI (post-1943 Italian forces) vehicle, and one German truck. I like the model a lot as it combines good quality casting and what looks like ease of assembly. A good display model or wargame piece. I thank DOC for producing these interesting vehicles which were very important to the African and Balkan campaigns. Its primary faults are that some white metal parts are too thick like the steering wheel. I am also not fond of the axles and the attachments of the wheels (as seen in the Dovunque 35 truck review). DOC appears to design their truck kit wheels so as to pivit on a ball-joint, which is great in that it's easy to model them turning. On the other hand, they do not appear technically accurate and require rebuilding to make an accurate display model. There is no recessed area at the driver's foot but with the canvas cover on this will not be noticed. This four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering vehicle served in a number of forms: artillery tractor, scout car and as a light truck. The AS 37 saw service in Italy, Africa, Yugoslavia, and likely in Russia with the Italian expeditionary force. The AS 37 is a light truck version of the TL 37 artillery tractor (DOC kit #72400). DOC also offers three light trailer kits (72403, 72404, 72405) designed to be towed by the AS 37 or TL 37. All photos I have seen depict the truck in a monotone North African tan or in European theatre gray-green. |
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